The most popular films have famous main characters, which have carried the plot lines and boosted the success of each production. Plenty of them are thought of at the mention of a movie title and rightly so. But there's also many minor characters that have been received just as well as the leading roles.
Minor characters can have an equal impact on audiences and remain at the forefront of fans minds, because of how effective they are in a short space of time. From Bridesmaids to Ice Age, there's a range of smaller roles that were so good, they had potential to be bigger.
Jon
Bridesmaids
While there are plenty of memorable characters that stand out in Bridesmaids, one that has received a lot more attention in recent years has to be Jon (Ben Falcone). First introduced in the plane scene, Jon is an Air Marshal who tries to remain under the radar so he doesn't expose his job title. Unfortunate for him, there is one person who is determined to just do this - Megan (played by Melissa McCarthy, who is also Falcone's real-life wife).
Considering their real-life connection, their scenes are very special to fans as everyone can see their great chemistry also translates on-screen. Jon's serious and deadpan qualities against Megan's livelier energy make the pair equally as funny, proving that his role could've been bigger (and could have possibly also extended Megan's role because of their eventual relationship).
Mama Ronzoni
Grown Ups
Grown Ups is a much-loved comedy film, portraying the lives of adult friends, that formed a friendship group from school age. The core characters guide the storyline, but that's not without the help of smaller roles, which add believability to the story.
Mama Ronzoni is outspoken and brilliantly funny. The conflict she has with her daughter's partner always makes for a light-hearted laugh, as they play on the typical, bickering in-law relationship. Her story could easily have been bigger, finding out more about her life. Ebony Jo-Ann has such a perfect delivery with her character's lines that there would be no complaints from any viewer to see more of her.
Rufus
Love Actually
Rowan Atkinson is a big actor with a huge career, starring as the titular character in the series Mr. Bean and again as the titular character in the spy comedy films, Love Actually was a humble move, albeit memorable.
The character, Rufus, added the touch of surreal Christmas magic that wonderfully tied up the film (both in the scene where he gift wraps a necklace and when he later creates a diversion for Sam to get past airport security). The scenes he's in provide a breath of fresh air that could well have played out more in the film. After all, there can never be too much Christmas spirit in one movie.
Scrat
Ice Age
The concept and characters of Ice Age are all truly unique, funny, and irable in their own right. The franchise provides hectic storylines, as the animals battle the issues of that period. But there's one little guy, with no dialogue, that audiences just love. He is, of course, Scrat.
His narrative is usually independently shown to that of the main characters, although they do sometimes intertwine. However, his individuality proves he could've been a bigger role. The character isn't reliant on the main parts to make his more interesting, because his plotlines succeed by themselves. He's adventurous, cute, and humorous, which are all traits audiences will never get bored of.
Liar Liar
Greta
Liar Liar is one of Jim Carrey's best movies, which fully allowed him to express his eccentric ability as an actor and comedian. However, it wasn't without the of other smaller roles that the film became a hit.
As his secretary, Greta (Anne Haney) tries to keep Fletcher on the straight and narrow, which she does with strength and even a bit of sass. She's a great contrast to Fletcher's unfortunate truth-telling and doesn't shy away from standing up to him when he gets out of hand (making it clear that there's more to her than perhaps her role allowed to convey).
Short Round
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom
Of course, the Indiana Jones film franchise is widely known for the adventures of the titular character and the enemies he faces. Whilst the lead characters spring to mind at the mention of the title, there's always one smaller part that audiences and enjoy watching.
Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) became Indy's sidekick, injecting a little humor into the narrative, but his comedy wasn't to be mistaken for the traits of a weak child. The young boy filled any gaps that were left by other characters, with him being as brave and energetic as Jones' (proving there to be scope for a bigger part).
Paulette
Legally Blonde
Elle is a fun-loving, bubbly personality in Legally Blonde and Paulette was a shyer presence, just waiting for Elle to work her magic and bring out the best in her.
The "bend and snap" routine is one of the most famous parts of the film and Paulette is a strong contribution to it. Her timidness is endearing to watch, especially once she begins to like the local delivery man. The role is a great sidekick to Elle and although she did become one of her friends, Paulette could have developed more with Elle over time (which audiences wouldn't complain about).
Amanda Waller
The Suicide Squad
The DC universe has proven time and again that they're a huge hit with fans, especially from the point they began to be produced into films. The inventive storylines, unique characters, and high-quality productions have all contributed to the top-rated movies, but the acting has pulled each element together.
Viola Davis took on the role of Amanda Waller, a steadfast, forward-thinking character, where her natural ability of strength is her superpower. Whilst she may not be the smallest character from the films, undoubtedly there could be more of Waller, delving further into her intelligence and work. A role such as this, is deserving of more screen time, especially when a smaller role sticks in the minds of viewers as much as any leading part.
Nana
Peter Pan
Disney has a lot of characters that have stuck with people through the generations. Peter Pan is a firm favorite of Disney fans, with Tinkerbell and Peter leading the way.
But who could forget Nana and her sweet, loyal ways. Although she's a pet, viewers are able to buy into her being the Darling children's nursemaid and she could easily have been a bigger role. It's heartwarming to watch her care for the children and would've been even more so, to watch her her family in Never Land. While the film may have an underappreciated villain, Nana also deserved more time in the film.
Zazu
The Lion King
As one of the best animated Disney films from the '90s, The Lion King has memorable music, lessons to learn and engaging characters. Zazu is a smaller character that represents a stricter, more down-to-earth approach to life, in comparison to the carefree spirits of Timone and Pumba.
Zazu even provides humor for children, including some that are more suited to adults and could've been an ideal tool for more of that aspect. His comedy is a lot more deadpan, letting the humor of the film cater to a wider audience. Zazu fits so well with the rest of the cast, that being a bigger role would only enhance an already brilliant film.
